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Editor’s Pick: A Modern Romance

Confession: I take being indecisive to new levels.  So when it comes to decorating my room-- an ongoing process, given what I just mentioned-- a mix of styles is key. I happen to love the streamlined look of modern decor, but in all honesty, it eventually bores me and I crave something with a touch more intrigue. Likewise, another part of me obsesses over intricately detailed pieces with a hint of enchantment, even a bit of baroque styling behind them-- but they can’t be too fussy. Did I mention I’m a little picky? Anyway, I channeled all of those fun little quirks into finding the perfect home accents, just the ones that balance the modern with the romantic for a result that’s simply charming. Come to think of it, they’re just like you know who. But I digress. Click on my SLIDESHOW and see how to add a little modern romance to your room!

Fab Finds: Top 5 Home Decor Super Steals of the Week!

This week’s home decor Fab Finds feature adorable Marimekko linens and classic Kartell pieces, as well as finds from e-shops like Urban Outfitters, Chaisso, and Scandinavian Details. The savings are just a click away, so check out the slideshow and start shopping! 

10 Cool Cocktail Tables To Complement Your Espresso Martini

In my search for a few super cool coffee tables I came across a similar variety known as the cocktail table. These pieces are like the coffee table’s trendier little sister, and their smaller size allows for more playful design.  I love Giulio Cappellini’s spherical table - it’s modern yet soft and would contrast angular pieces beautifully. And no list would be complete without Karim Rashid’s ‘magino’ coffee table - the acrylic medium complements the design perfectly. You’ll find those two and many more in my slideshow of crazy cool coffee and cocktail tables, so gather ‘round and enjoy! I’m just left with one question: which one would look best holding my espresso martini?

10 Kartell Pieces Fit For A Dream House

Confession: I still have a Barbie Dream House. Actually that’s not true, and I haven’t had one since the elevator on my two-story one broke circa 1991.  But I do have a dream house in the back of my mind, and it’s filled with furniture by Italian manufacturer Kartell. The Milan-based design house is known for its contemporary and above all practical focus. Each piece, from the simple ‘louis ghost’ chair to the playful ‘toobe’ floor lamp is the result of careful studies of the relationship between plastic and technology. Kartell’s collections also benefit from its international design base, where designers like Ron Arad, Piero Lissoni, Maarten Van Severen, and Philippe Starck keep the ever-expanding flow of ideas in constant motion. Click SEE SLIDESHOW for 10 pieces you’ll find in my Kartell dream house. (Sorry, Barbie.)

Today’s Top 10 Hive Finds

Ever caught between buying something for your place, versus adding to your wardrobe?  Between a new apartment and the changing seasons, I sure am, and seeing as how today’s top ten picks are covering some of the best of both worlds, I don’t even know where to begin!  So look out for sweet slides and sandals from Dries Van Noten and Bettye Muller along with your daily dose of mod furniture and decor, and of course, a few fun spring basics that are sure to become closet favorites.  They’re all in our slideshow of today’s top ten hive finds, where we’ll tell you how much they cost and where you can buy them online!

Click now!  Before they become yesterday’s cool stuff.

10 Printed Furniture Pieces That Pop!

Looks like the print phenomenon has jumped from couture to furniture!  I consider printed furniture the costume jewelry of the interior design world-- when kept to a minimum, the look is striking but not overkill.  It goes without saying that these printed pieces are real scene stealers, so let them have the spotlight and let your other accents merely accent. From well-placed patterns to the most wayward and whimsical ones out there, I’ve found ten of the coolest printed pieces in the Hive from designers including Kartell, Marimekko, and Missoni. Watch the slideshow and tell me which one gets your vote!

Childrens’ Chair Challenge: Which Design Brings Out The Kid in You?

When I was a kid there were two kinds of kids’ chairs: chunky wooden chairs with a butt-impression carved out of the seat, and metal legged-chairs with plywood laminate seats and backs screwed on. That made for a tough childhood requiring years of design therapy to reverse. Today, however, there are as many designer kids’ chairs as their are designer adult ones. One of my favorite foreign design blogs, Interior Design Room, has three cool kids’ chairs up in the Hive right now, all of which I love. And as I have three kids myself, I was thinking of buying a set of three of one of the designs. Help me out please, because my design therapist is really expensive, and I don’t want to go to her anymore.